RE2, Inc. Awarded U.S. Army Phase II SBIR Program To Develop A Robotic Nursing Assistant With Dexterous Dual-Manipulator System

Main Category: Medical Devices / Diagnostics
Also Included In: Regulatory Affairs / Drug Approvals
Article Date: 29 Aug 2008 - 2:00 PDT

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RE2, Inc., a leading developer of intelligent modular manipulation systems, announced that it was awarded a Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract grant (contract number W81XWH-08-C-0023) on June 9, 2008 by the U.S. Army Medical Research & Materiel Command's (USAMRMC), Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center (TATRC) to develop a prototype Robotic Nursing Assistant (RNA).

Today's advances in robotic technology can provide health care workers with assistance in the labor-intense hospital or clinical work place, augmenting human physical capabilities and performing some regular, repetitive tasks. RE2's concept combines a hospital-proven robotic platform, dual dexterous manipulators similar to human arms, and intuitive control interfaces to provide a practical implementation of the RNA. The RNA will serve as an extension of the nurse when performing physically challenging maneuvers, such as helping a patient sit up in bed or moving a patient from a gurney to a hospital bed.

"This project is an example of how RE2 is applying its advanced, intelligent, and innovative robotic manipulator technologies to a new field of use to help reduce the number and frequency of physical injuries to nurses and other health care professionals," stated Patrick Rowe, vice president of research and development for RE2, Inc.

During the twenty-four month Phase II, RE2 will perform the following:

-- Develop and fabricate a practical prototype of the RNA including two arms, hands, torso, and wheeled base;

-- Develop interactive computer simulations of the RNA to further test and validate the mechanical design;

-- Work with experts in the field of Human-Machine Interfaces to develop a simple and intuitive method of controlling the RNA's motions;

-- Integrate the RNA torso onto an existing autonomous mobile platform that currently operates in several hospitals

"The RNA program is an exciting venture for RE2 and an opportunity to develop innovative technical solutions to real-world issues in the health care industry," stated Jorgen Pedersen, president and CEO of RE2, Inc. "The RNA project enables RE2 to diversify into markets outside of the Department of Defense."

RE2 is leveraging its dexterous manipulation expertise to design the RNA's manipulator arms. RE2 is partnering with proven robotics technology providers for the robotic platform and intuitive control components of this program. Partners for the Phase II effort include Aethon, Inc. and AnthroTronix, Inc.

About RE2, Inc.

RE2, Inc. is a leading developer of intelligent modular manipulation systems and JAUS software solutions. The Company's manipulation systems utilize the RE2 JAUS Software Development Kit to ensure interoperability with fielded robotic platforms. RE2's customers include the Army, Navy, government labs, universities, and defense prime contractors. RE2's expertise lends itself to several markets, including defense, law-enforcement, homeland security, and explosive ordnance disposal. To learn more about the RE2 JAUS SDK, visit http://www.resquared.com/JAUS-SDK.html.

RE2, Inc.